No one really likes to talk about constipation. But, when almost 15% of adults suffer from chronic constipation, it’s a condition that needs to be discussed.

It should come as no surprise that the largest factor behind constipation is a poor diet. Therefore, increasing your fiber intake and lowering foods packed with fat and sugar is a good place to begin.

In addition, there are also specific foods that trigger stomach discomfort and constipation. Obviously, if you reduce or eliminate these foods from your diet, you may find prolonged relief from this very frustrating condition.

Milk

There are various reasons why milk can have a negative impact on your digestive system. The specific sugar found in milk is actually quite difficult for your body to digest. And, for many individuals, the complication in digesting this sugar can cause severe stomach issues and increased constipation.

Moreover, some individuals are completely lactose intolerant and aren’t able to digest the sugar in milk at all. This is due to a missing enzyme in the small intestine called lactase.

Although lactose intolerance is different than a sensitivity to milk, it points to the fact that milk causes problems for millions of people around the world.

Try avoiding dairy products if you notice stomach issues after consuming milk products.

Fried Foods

The high -at content found in fried foods is also quite tough for your body to digest. In addition, greasy foods like French fries, chips, and hash browns don’t contain the important nutrients that your body needs. In essence, you are simply eating empty calories.

Therefore, pass up the fried fish platter if you want to feel healthier and return to regular bowel movements.

Chocolate

Obviously, chocolate is a treat enjoyed by people all over the world. But, studies suggest that regular chocolate consumption can wreak havoc on your bowels. The sugar combined with high-fat content is again very difficult for your body to digest.

If you are serious about improving your digestive health, you’ll want to avoid those Hersey Bars and Grandma’s famous chocolate cake.

Sugar

As mentioned before, sugar can be quite detrimental to your overall health.

The process of digesting sugar takes quite a bit of time and can be a challenge for the digestive system.

If you have an insatiable sweet tooth, try a natural alternative, such as stevia, to satisfy your cravings. You may also find that fresh fruits such as apples, peaches, and pears are a great substitute for processed sugar as well.

Plus, the fiber found in fruits helps your bowels do the job they are meant to do.

Cheese

Cheese is also a food that can cause plenty of stomach discomfort including bloating and gas. In addition, the high-fat content in cheese is difficult for your body to process and a well-known contributor to constipation.

Moving to a cheese-free diet can be difficult but is often necessary for individuals serious about curing their constipation.

Final Thoughts

If you are serious about living a healthier life that is free from constipation, you’ll want to experiment with reducing or eliminating these 5 foods from your diet.